DeKalb, Illinois, Adopts Pets Saved from Hoarding Situation

Today in DeKalb, Illinois, outside of the local PetSmart store, Tails Humane Society held an Adoption Event to find homes for dozens of cats and dogs rescued from a hoarding situation. Residents of DeKalb and Sycamore, Illinois, gathered to meet the pets, hold them, pet them, and in many cases, adopt them.

By the end of the day, the tent housing the dogs was empty. Every single dog brought from the Tails facility at 2250 Barber Greene Road in DeKalb was adopted. When this reporter arrived there were still two lonely looking beagles, but within ten minutes they were on their way to a new home.

At least 40 cats found new homes. At the end of the day, approximately 20 were left. Most of the cats looked tired and stressed from the day of viewing. Many were asleep. One little cat by the name of Betsey, who had only three legs but a lot of spirit, was still looking for a home.

Not all of the animals were able to make it to the event. Some remained at the Tails facility, receiving tender loving care, until they are strong enough to be adopted.

From 9:00 a. m. to 11:00 a. m. adoptions were open to volunteers who helped to save and care for the pets up to that point. From 11:00 a. m. to 6:00 p. m., adoption was open to the public.

There were a few pet rats and rabbits left, looking for homes.

All of the puppies and kittens were spayed or neutered prior to the event, and given appropriate vaccinations, heart worm tests, and leukemia and feline AIDS tests, plus worming. Adopters would also have a free month of vets visits. Prices to adopt varied, but were well under the price that all of the above services would cost if paid for by an individual.

There were 260 plus animals rescued from the house outside of Rochelle, Illinois. Animals were living in terrible conditions, with little light, filth, poor water and little or no food. Some animals were allowed to roam free in the house, but many were in cages, and many cats were found in the lightless basement. A few very large dogs lived outside the house. It took a couple of days to clear the house out, and local people, vets, and governments worked overtime and selflessly to clean up the pets, treat them, and feed them. Most of the animals lived. And now, many of them have new, caring families.

Photographs of the animals, and a long list of people and organizations that helped can be found at the Tails Humane Society of DeKalb site.

And remember, there are still animals at the main facility waiting for homes. For them, the story is not yet over.